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Designer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $23.26 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $31.29 |
| Top | $41.41 |
Interest in synthesizing information to develop plans, elevations, cross sections and detailed drawings, and advise on selection of colours, finishes and materials, floor and wall coverings, interior and exterior lighting, furniture and other items, taking into account ergonomic and occupational health standards
Interest in precision working with equipment to prepare plans and specifications for final interior designs in accordance with current practices and codes; and to estimate costs and materials required
Interest in consulting with clients to determine needs, preferences, safety requirements and purpose of space; may advise on leasing, real estate and marketing
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Interior designers plan new interiors and renovate existing ones in single- and multi-family dwellings and in commercial buildings such as offices, institutions, stores, hotels and restaurants. Responsibilities vary from one position or project to another but, in general, interior designers:
Interior designers co-ordinate their work with other professionals and work closely with general contractors to ensure that their drawings are interpreted correctly. They may co-ordinate the activities of trades (such as painters and carpenters) when there is no general contractor.
Interior designers are concerned with general and detailed planning, spatial arrangements, health and safety issues, detailing, constructability and technical considerations (for example, lighting and acoustics), as well as the aesthetics of a space. They are more involved with technical considerations than interior decorators are. Decorators focus on the ornamental and moveable aspects of interiors (colour, furniture, rugs, drapery) and fixed details (such as moldings) that easily can be added to an existing space. For more information, see the Interior Decorator occupational profile.
Working conditions vary considerably. Interior designers frequently meet with clients, other consultants and contractors in clients’ workplaces and homes, in interior design offices, in consultants’ offices and at worksites. Work hours are sometimes long or irregular, and may include weekends and evenings.
Interior designers need:
They should enjoy synthesizing information to develop plans and design concepts, taking a methodical approach to work requiring precision, and working with people.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 15 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 23, 2020 and Jul 22, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Area of Specialization: Interior design (general) | 13 |
|---|---|
| Estimate cost of projects and prepare detailed specifications | 13 |
| Create interior spaces that reflect clients' needs and tastes | 13 |
| Advise on selection of colours, finishes and materials, lighting, furniture and other items, taking into account ergonomic and occupational health standards | 13 |
| Area of Specialization: Residential | 12 |
| Consult with clients to determine needs, preferences, safety requirements and purpose of space | 11 |
| Develop plans, elevations, cross sections and detailed drawings | 11 |
| Computer Experience: AutoCAD | 11 |
| Work with other disciplines | 10 |
| Computer Experience: MS Excel | 10 |
There are no standard educational requirements for interior designers in Alberta. However, to be licensed by the Alberta Association of Architects, interior designers must have a degree in interior design plus related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Some post-secondary schools offer 2-year interior design diploma programs which are not accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). Graduates of these programs are not eligible for professional registration without further education and a longer period of work experience. Visit the CIDA website for a list of accredited programs in Canada.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Architects design building projects and advise clients regarding building projects. They prepare programs, sketches and cost estimates, produce scale construction drawings, write specifications and review on-site construction work.
Under Alberta's Architects Act and Architects Act General Regulation, you must be registered with the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) to practice as an Architect and use the title Architect. If you are not registered with AAA, you may work under the supervision of a registered architect. Licensed interior designers and restricted practitioners may practice architecture on projects of limited scope with AAA approval.
Registration requires the equivalent of:
For detailed official information about registration requirements, contact the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA).
Architects who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if registered architects in Alberta and the jurisdiction which the applicant originates have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada? and the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) website.
To learn about certification for internationally educated architects, see Architect Registration Process.
The Alberta Association of Architects (AAA)
Duggan House
10515 Saskatchewan Dr. NW
Edmonton, Alberta T6E 4S1
Canada
Call: 780-432-0224
Email: info@aaa.ab.ca
Website: www.aaa.ab.ca
Interior designers create and enhance interior spaces to improve quality of life, increase productivity and protect public health, safety and welfare.
Under Alberta's Architects Act [pdf] and Architects Act General Regulation [pdf], the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) oversees interior designer certification, which entitles designers to practise a portion of the scope of practice defined in the Architects Act and Regulation. You do not have to be registered if you do not practise as or use the title Licensed Interior Designer.
Registration requires:
For detailed official information about registration requirements, contact the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA).
Interior designers who are certified by and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for certification in Alberta if certified interior designers in Alberta and the jurisdiction which applicant originates have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory? and the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) website.
To learn about certification for internationally educated interior designers, see Interior Designer Licensing Process.
The Alberta Association of Architects
Duggan House10515 Saskatchewan Dr. NW
Edmonton, Alberta T6E 4S1
Canada
Call: 780-432-0224
Fax: 780-439-1431
Website: www.aaa.ab.ca
Interior designers are employed by:
Graduates of recognized 4-year degree programs usually begin work in interior design firms or architectural firms, or in the planning departments of corporations or institutions. Graduates of 2-year diploma programs are often employed by home builders, kitchen and bath manufacturers, or flooring companies, or as assistants in interior design firms or architectural firms. Some are employed in retail sales positions (see the Interior Decorator occupational profile) or in technical sales positions with commercial suppliers (see the Technical Sales Representative occupational profile). Experience gained in sales positions may not be eligible for credit toward professional accreditation.
In Alberta, 77% of people employed as interior designers work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 5242: Interior designers and interior decorators occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.3% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.31 | $30.77 | $23.26 | $23.08 |
| Overall | $23.54 | $44.71 | $31.29 | $32.62 |
| Top | $25.96 | $53.85 | $41.41 | $39.32 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $66,820 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $62,883 |
| Construction | $58,745 |
| Manufacturing | $55,888 |
Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) website: www.aaa.ab.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) website: www.accredit-id.org
Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ) website: www.cidq.org
Decorators and Designers Association of Canada (DDA Canada) website: ddacanada.com
Interior Designers of Alberta (IDA) website: www.idalberta.ca
Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) website: www.idcanada.org
National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) website: www.nkba.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2017. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.